I just wanted to take a minute to wish you a very Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays! I'm spending today with loved ones and I'm reminded of how grateful and blessed I am. I am so thankful for you, too! Your support means the world to me and I hope that I have made you smile, laugh, given you a little encouragement, and a good product recommendation or two.

If you haven't heard of Tim Ferriss, he is an author, entrepreneur, podcaster, and public speaker. He has written several books, including Tribe of Mentors, which is where today's questions come from. Ferriss' podcast, The Tim Ferriss Show, is also a great resource and in each episode, he deconstructs world-class performers from eclectic areas, digging deep to find the tools, tactics, and tricks that listeners can use. I can't begin to tell you just how many valuable things I have learned from his podcast alone.In Tribe of Mentors, Ferriss asks these 11 questions and after seeing that Lauryn Evarts of The Skinny Confidential shared her own answers, I knew that I wanted to share mine with you, too. I challenge you to answer these for yourself and share them with a friend! Also, read the freakin' book. It's a good one!1.) What is the book (or books) you’ve given most as a gift, and why? Or what are one to three books that have greatly influenced your life?I haven't given many books as gifts just yet, so let's go with three books that have influenced my life. Unashamed by Christine Caine, Fail Until You Don't: Fight, Grind, Repeat by Bobby Bones, and Girl, Wash Your Face by Rachel Hollis are probably my top three at the moment. Each book tells stories of the author's lives while sharing lessons that they learned along the way to life happy, free, and successful lives. There's so many lessons in those three books. 2.)What purchase of $100 or less has most positively impacted your life in the last six months (or in recent memory)? I'm going with my Swell water bottle for this one. I am all about staying hydrated and it is one of my number one tips when people ask about health. Drink your dang water. A few other standout purchases: Essential Cleansing Solution from Demologica, this sleep mask, and this shampoo from Bumble & Bumble.3.) How has a failure, or apparent failure, set you up for later success? Do you have a “favorite failure” of yours?My readers love specifics like brand and model, where you found it, etc.If you've been reading for the past year, then you might remember that I went to Myrtle Beach for a job interview with a news station. The position was between me and another candidate, but to be honest.. it seemed very promising. I was so excited and I really felt as though God was leading me there. As you know now, I did not get that job. I was upset, because that job was a dream and moving to Myrtle Beach was going to be this fun, new adventure. Had I gotten that job, I wouldn't be where I am today. My job today is pretty similar to the job I was up for, but I think this job is so much for fun and quite honestly, God knew that I needed to be a close to home in this season. I think I would have enjoyed that job in Myrtle Beach, but I would have also been miserable. Also, had I moved to Myrtle Beach, I probably would have never read Bobby's book (mentioned in question one!!).4.)If you could have a gigantic billboard anywhere with anything on it — metaphorically speaking, getting a message out to millions or billions — what would it say and why? It could be a few words or a paragraph.(If helpful, it can be someone else’s quote: Are there any quotes you think of often or live your life by?)Do what makes your heart happy. Be kind. Love everyone. We all live different lives and nobody should feel less than for living their life a certain way. Do you! We can all be kind to each other. There is no need for hate. The biggest and most important commandment in the Bible is to love others. I think we forget that far too often.5.) What is one of the best or most worthwhile investments you’ve ever made? (Could be an investment of money, time, energy, etc.)David (my boyfriend of 7 years...woah) and I recently made it a thing to have one date night every month. We see each other about once a week, but life gets in the way, money is scarce right now, and there are just other things we focus on instead of quality time together. We take turns planning a date for each month and it can be something as simple as a themed dinner and movie at home. We've made it a point to invest our time, energy, and a little money into our relationship. We're only in our twenties, but so far, this has changed our relationship for the better and I can't wait to see how regular date nights make our relationship even better in 10, 20, even 50 years down the road.6.)What is an unusual habit or an absurd thing that you love?I love routines. Seriously. When I was a kid, I would schedule out my entire day like this...

7:00 Wake Up

7:02 Brush my teeth

7:05 Come back to room and make my bed

7:08 Brush my hair

As you can see, I would schedule by day out by the minute. I love sticking to a schedule. I love sticking to a routine, which is great. Routines add stability to our already hectic and crazy lives, but one thing I've had to learn is that it is okay not to rigidly follow a routine. If I'm invited out for drinks with my friends and won't get home until 9, that's cool. If I'm feeling run down and need to sleep in an extra hour one day, I can do that. Balance is key.7.) In the last five years, what new belief, behavior, or habit has most improved your life?Setting a morning routine for sure. How you start your mornings is so important for the rest of your day. I'm all about getting moving and getting hydrated when I get up. Journaling and devotions are also vital to my mornings. When you have a morning routine, you just feel more in control of your day.

8.) What advice would you give to a smart, driven college student about to enter the “real world”? What advice should they ignore?Live your life in a way that makes you happy and get rid of what doesn't serve you. Don't let anyone tell you that you have to have it all figured out at 22. Hint: you won't.9.)What are bad recommendations you hear in your profession or area of expertise?Probably that getting a degree is the most important thing. For me, being in college was what allowed me to get internships and yes, it gave me some experience, but experience is key in this industry. Intern, shadow people, network. Get as much experience as you can and learn. You will never stop learning in this industry.10.) In the last five years, what have you become better at saying no to (distractions, invitations, etc.)? What new realizations and/or approaches helped? Any other tips?Distractions! I am able to really focus and prioritize on what is important. Having some sort of routine really helps and I think that structure is so important.11.)When you feel overwhelmed or unfocused, or have lost your focus temporarily, what do you do? (If helpful: What questions do you ask yourself?) I take a walk. In college, this was easy because I lived right in Atlanta, but now that I don't live in the city anymore, that looks more like walking down my driveway or walking around the parking lot at work. Walking with some music or a podcast can do wonders.I'd love to hear your answers to one of these questions, too! Thanks so much for stopping by! x,Amanda

Want to make this the best winter yet? I've put together a fun, winter bucket list just for you!

Living in the south, it doesn't get as cold as it does in like New York or something, but it definitely gets cold. We have days where it gets below freezing, but I would say the normal temperature is probably in the 40s here in Atlanta.

Even though we don't get much snow, it still feels like winter when you can get all bundled up and have to heat your car up before going to class or work. As I've said probably too many times, I really love winter. It is my favorite season and I always like to make it worthwhile. I don't want to wake up when temperatures are back in the 90s and realize that I totally just let my favorite season breeze by without taking full advantage of it!

Want to make this the best winter yet? Here's my winter bucket list!

Host a Christmas cookie decorating party

Invite all your closest friends and family and ask everyone to bring a batch of cookies! Supply fun cookie-decorating essentials like icing, sprinkles, candies, even edible glitter and start decorating!

Your winter playlist can be some of your favorite Christmas songs or even just your favorite songs of the moment. Spotify is the best for this!

Volunteer somewhere

During this season, I am reminded of just how blessed I am. Find a cause that really speaks to you and volunteer. If you don't volunteer and give back regularly, now is the best time to start.

Take a bubble bath

Cold weather makes a hot bubble bath so much better, am I right?

Go stargazing on a clear night

While you stargaze, sip on some apple cider or hot chocolate.

Host a holiday party

Christmas is very low key at my house. I mean, we don't get out of our pajamas! Hosting a holiday party allows us to dress up and celebrate the holidays with family and friends that we won't see on Christmas.

Clean out your closet and donate to those in need

We all probably have a few clothing items we no longer wear and instead of just tossing it in the trash, someone would love that coat you haven't worn in two years.

I actually have all my Christmas shopping done, but if you're still looking for the perfect gift, I'm sharing my last minute Christmas gift guide. This post contains affiliate links, which help keep this community up and running!

Anyway, getting my Christmas shopping done so early is unheard of and honestly, I have technology to thank because most of my shopping was done online this year. I also did something I probably shouldn't have done and treated myself... multiple times. I bought myself some over-the-knee boots, sunglasses, jeans, a black denim skirt, a few sweaters, and a super cute teddy vest. Nobody let me buy myself anything for a while.

As I was saying, technology makes Christmas shopping so much easier and this is my little gift guide for everyone doing some last minute gift shopping! These are affordable and cool gifts that anyone on your Christmas list will love!

If you haven't, you need to check out what's on my Christmas list. Really, just send the link to your boyfriend/partner/fiance/husband because there are some cute, but totally responsible adult-ish items on there that you definitely need in your life.

And... if you have yet to get on the Christmas card train, you need to do that ASAP! I love a good Christmas card and if you want me to send you one, just head over to Instagram and send me a DM so I can send one your way!

I love a good Christmas movie and yes, that included all those Hallmark movies. Let me tell you, though, Netflix is killing the game with its original Christmas content. I mean... A Christmas Prince, The Christmas Chronicles, The Holiday Calendar, and The Princess Switch are good! Seriously, good.

Movies are great, but when I'm busy working, driving, or just doing things around the house, it isn't really ideal to watch a movie. I want to sit and actually watch it, not just have it on for background noise.

Spotify and iHeartRadio are my best friends during this time because I can listen to Christmas music anytime, anywhere! I love the classics, but I also love some the newer Christmas songs. I mean, you can't go wrong with a little Jessie James Decker (tbh I'm obsessed with her!). If you need a good Christmas playlist to get you going, I put this one together on Spotify with all my Christmas faves!

My Christmas tree is up at work, my house is decorated, I'm watching Hallmark and Netflix Christmas movies nonstop, and I've got my favorite Christmas music playlists ready to go at all times!

I've always really loved this time of the year. I love cold weather, warm drinks, being bundled up in big sweaters, booties, giving gifts, and being surrounded by family and friends. I realized when making this list just how making "adult" things are in this list. I mean... books, face wash, pillows, and a french press are on this list. I guess this is adulthood.

Here's what is currently on my Christmas list! I've linked (there are a few affiliate links) everything so you can ask (or buy it!) for yourself or buy it for someone you know.

Callie Dauler recommended this on her Instagram story a while back and I pretty much buy everything she talks about. I still have the basic band that came with my Apple Watch, but I need a new one that looks a little nicer.

My family and I had our Thanksgiving on Saturday while my brother was home, but we're still doing some stuff today. My mom cooked a small Thanksgiving dinner, but we are not having anyone over today. I'm going to head over to family friend's for a little while and then go to David's to spend time with him and his family!

Also, I'm going Black Friday shopping later tonight! I might actually finish up my Christmas shopping! I don't have too much more to buy. After that, my family and I always stop by Truett's Grill for their breakfast buffet! There's nothing like unlimited Chick-fil-a nuggets at 2 a.m.

If you've followed along over the year, you know that 2018 has had its challenges, but it has also had so many blessings. I have been writing down ten things that I'm grateful for every single day and let me tell you... when you do that, talk about a better mindset. Gratitude changes everything and it is so important to start every single day with gratitude.

Today, there are so many reasons I'm thankful.

I am loved by wonderful family and friends. David is incredibly sweet to me. I am able to pay my bills. I love my job. I love this little blog and that you've stopped by. I'm thankful for that delicious slice of pecan pie I'm going to eat. My nephew, Bentley, adores me. I have clean water. I am healthy. I am surrounded by the a wonderful support system. I got plenty of sleep yesterday. I am able to be with my loved ones today.

What are you thankful for today? Feel free to use these two templates for an Instagram story or post! Tag me so I can see it and give it a like!

I love so many things about Georgia. The mountains are probably at the top of that favorite things list.

David and I have a monthly date night, that one we're married and live together, we hope to make it more of a frequent thing. Each month, we take turns planning a date to go on and it's so much fun! Sometimes, we stay in and do dinner and a movie and other times, we go out. It's great to take turns planning fun little dates! November was my month and I chose to take a little trip to Ellijay.

I'd like to mention that on this trip, I was really living in the moment and didn't take a single photo. That's right... not a single photo. Oops. The photo that I included here is from when my family and I took a day trip to Amicalola Falls about a year ago.

I did a project on Ellijay when I was in the fourth grade, but I haven't been there since, so I had to do a little Google search to find out what we should do. I came across Chateau Meichtry and Reece Orchards.

On Saturday, we got to Chateau Meichtry around 1:30 p.m. and the place was packed, but it was such a great experience. We went up to the bar area and got served pretty quickly. We tasted a few wines, my favorite being the Vidal Blanc. They even had two Christmas wines - a red and a white - that we tried because we're festive! Haha.

I packed us a lunch with salami, cheese, grapes, and freshly baked bread that we enjoyed after our little wine tasting. David actually walked out with a bottle of wine. We haven't really been into wine, but this experience changed the game. We learned a lot about different wines and pairings, so not only was it a fun little date, but a really cool, educational experience for us! This place is so beautiful, too!

After we left Chateau Meichtry, David and I went to Reece Orchards! It's not apple picking season, but we stopped by their little market and they had so many freshly baked goods, apples from their orchard, and even local drinks like muscadine cider! David walked out with a bag of barbecue pork rinds because we live in the south and that's just what you do.

This was definitely the perfect time to take a little trip to the mountains here in Georgia. The leaves are perfect and changing colors, the weather is cool, and the whole trip was filled with beautiful scenery. It doesn't really get much better than that.

Have you taken any little day trips lately? What are some of your favorite locations around you?

Because so much of my work requires me to be on social media, the new screen time feature on my iPhone doesn't really surprise me, but when I estimate how much of my screen time is not from working and instead aimlessly scrolling for hours through Instagram, it makes me think about how much time I waste every single day.I am pretty good at time management, but if I were to tell you I was perfect at it, that would be lie. If I were to tell you that I don't have an issue when it comes to scrolling through Instagram and wasting time, that would also be a lie. Phones aren't bad. Social media isn't bad. Spending some time liking pictures on your Instagram feed isn't even bad, but when it affects how you spend your time and how you manage your time, that's where the issues lie.I've recently started to be intentional with how I spend my time. I wake up a little earlier every morning so that I have no excuse to skip my workout or miss my quiet time. I put my phone away when I'm doing work that doesn't require me to be on my phone. When I do want to spend some on Instagram, I set a limit and stick to it. I put my phone away at dinner and on date nights with David.Like I said before, I'm not perfect, but I'm intentionally setting up some rules and boundaries for how I spend my time. Prioritization is really important, especially on days when my to-do list seems endless. When I have a long list of things that need to get done and I finally cross off that last item, that feeling is incredibly fulfilling!If you need some help with this, I'm going to share five ways that I've been able to prioritize my life so that I can be productive and actually have time to rest. Sounds great, right? It isn't hard! It just takes a little planning and preparation.

Utilize your calendar. My calendar is color-coded and every day is scheduled. It might sound crazy, but this is so helpful, especially for everything going on here and on Fridays when I work from home!Find out what you're passionate about and make time for that. What makes your heart happy? What leaves you feeling fulfilled? Make time for that. Make your passion a priority in your life. We all need it.

Focus on learning new things. We're never too old to learn and you should learn like you're going to live forever. Maybe it is a new skill, a hobby, or something new that you never thought you would do. Learn something and never stop.

How to you keep everything in your life prioritized well? What tips do you have?x,Amanda

It's the most wonderful time of the year... and your mailbox is about to be FULL of Christmas cards.

I really love getting Christmas cards in the mail every year. It is so cool to see the cute holiday photos from family and friends that I don't see every day. I love the holiday season and Christmas cards are just so sweet to receive during the holidays, am I right?

The thing about Christmas cards is that sometimes, finding the perfect card is tough. I enjoy being able to customize my Christmas cards and add a cute photo or two to it! I want the card to be unique and different. I also want it to be good quality. Nobody likes a blurry or pixelated card, especially when you're paying good money for a bunch of cards to send to your loved ones.

Basic Invite was kind enough to sponsor this post and I love all their products! The choices are endless, you can get samples, and I mean... talk about customization. Wow, Basic Invite doesn't disappoint! And I mean, with over 500 Christmas card and holiday card designs, what more could you want?

Almost Unlimited Colors - Basic Invite is one of the few websites that allows customers almost unlimited color options with instant previews online. Once you select a design you can change the color of each element on the card to over 180 different color options so you can make sure the card is exactly how you want it down to the littlest detail. This really sets them apart from almost any other online stationery company that I've seen.

Custom Samples - Basic Invite is one of the few websites that allows customers the ability to order a printed sample of their actual invitation so they can see exactly how it will print as well as feel the paper quality before they ever have to place their final order. This is so important to be because like I said, I've ordered cards before that turned out not like I expected.

Over 40 Different Colors of Envelopes - Basic Invite is just as colorful with the envelopes as with the invitations. Customers can choose from over 40 different colors when it comes to their envelopes so that they can make their invitation stand out even before it is opened. All of their envelopes are peel and seal so the envelopes can be quickly and securely closed without licking a single one. How great is that? The days of licking envelopes are behind us!

Address Capturing Service - Basic Invite offers an address capturing service that allows customers to simply share a link on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, or any other form of social media to request their friends and family’s addresses which will be stored in the customer’s account and can then be selected during the design process. Basic Invite offers recipient address printing at no cost on all Christmas card orders. This is so helpful, because I definitely maybe know like five addresses by heart.

Foil - Foil holiday cards are available in gold, silver, and rose gold. Customers can choose flat or raised foil on all of Basic Invite’s foil designs. These are so chic and cool!

I love, love, love this card! It is really simple and this picture of David and I, despite being taken with my iPhone, looks pretty good on it. Like I said before, the holiday cards maker is so simple to use.

As I was browsing, some of their custom holiday cards for businesses caught my eye and I'm so glad that I ordered some! I never even considered sending out a Christmas card to other people and businesses that I work with until I saw all their holiday cards made just for businesses. Talk about a holiday game-changer.

Want a holiday card from me? All you gotta do is follow me on Instagram and then DM me or comment on a post what you want to see here! Easy, right?

If you're hosting a holiday party this year, Basic Invite also has you covered! They have so many designs and you can customize and personalize your cards to make it perfect for whatever the occasion and party may be! I love this one and it also gave me a super great idea for a Christmas party to host this year!

Right now, Basic Invite is offering 30% off with coupon code:holi30 and you won't want to miss out on this discount! Get all your holiday card shopping finished in one purchase!

Real quick, I know we've talked a lot about holiday cards, but Basic Invite has so much more, including business cards! I love a good business card and I ordered these two designs. One is for my work in broadcast media and the other is for my work right here. Pretty, am I right?

When are you sending out your holiday cards? I definitely need to get on that... I'm staring at the pile of cards just waiting to be addressed.

What's left on your holiday to-do list? My shopping is already pretty much done because I'm a psycho, haha, but those dang Christmas cards are just staring at me.

The pumpkin spice lattes, chilly weather, corn mazes, pumpkin patches, and the changing leaves make it the perfect time of year. Atlanta finally got the fall memo, thank God!

I've got so many fall faves, so let's start with entertainment! If you're having trouble getting in the fall mood, definitely watch some Gilmore Girls. I don't know what it is about that show, but I think it is the perfect fall show. Pretty Little Liars also reminds me of fall! Oh, and you can't forget the Thanksgiving Gossip Girl episodes. Let's talk movies, now! Halloweentown is an obvious choice. Hocus Pocus, The Nightmare Before Christmas, When Harry Met Sally are other fall movie night musts!

Time for fall fashion! I'm no fashionista or fashion expert, but I mean, I wear clothes every day like the rest of humanity and I like to look cute... even when I'm wearing leggings. I'm loving three things so much right now and I definitely think that they are fall staples that everyone must have!

Flannels can be dressed up or down and worn with denim or leggings. The outfit options are endless and these are some of my faves!

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Booties are my number one fall must have! There are so many cute and affordable options and you know me... I'm all about a good bargain buy!

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Black denim skirts are definitely a recent addition to my wardrobe. I love wearing this with an oversized sweater, tights, and booties or even a thigh high boot.

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This might be my favorite category... food! PSLs are a must in the fall, but I actually prefer Salted Caramel Mochas (hot or iced)! None of this is going to be healthy... but I make really good chocolate chip pumpkin bread that I have to make at least once every fall. Oh, and I can't forget pecan pie! Pumpkin pie is great, but pecan pie is the star in my book!

The last little category in my fall favorites is activities! In the fall, I love going to a pumpkin patch, getting lost in a corn maze, visiting a winery in North Georgia, going apple picking, and going to a football game. This year will be my first year going to a Georgia State football game as an alumna! How crazy is that?

Last Saturday, David had to work and found out last minute, so instead of watching Netflix for hours at his place, I decided to take myself out on a little date. The location? Ponce City Market.

Before I tell you all about this little date I took myself on, I'm going to quickly tell you what happened when I left. Long story short, I had some car trouble a few weeks ago and thankfully, my dad was able to fix it. I picked it up from my dad's a few days before going to PCM and as I was leaving, it started acting up again. I had to take it back to my dad's, where it is right now. I am so grateful that my dad has been so willing to help me in this "transition" stage of my life. I am working so hard to kick start my career, and I am trying to wake up and start every day with gratitude, but I know you understand that when things are tough in life, it can be hard. The issues happening recently with my car have been a really big stress factor in my life and it is one of the places in my life that God is making me trust Him. Lately, my anxiety has also been through the roof. Sleeping has been hard. I have been so exhausted physically and mentally, despite getting plenty of sleep. Anxiety is real. I trust and know that God is working, but that does not mean that anxiety isn't present in my life. With all that being said, I'm about to share this really great day I had, but I also want you to know that I will also share the moments in my life that are hard; the moments that I wouldn't include in my "highlight reel."

What are you going through right now? No matter what it is, you know what? We're in this together. Whatever you're struggling with right now, you have support. If you need someone to talk to, my inbox is always open. If you feel like you might need the help of a professional, there are countless resources for you. You will be okay. Everything will be okay.

Not sure how to really transition from that, but I felt like I needed to share that with you. I needed to share a part of my "not-so-highlight reel" and maybe you can relate to it.

Well, let's get into my little PCM date. If you're making an Atlanta trip, you definitely need to make a stop here.

Prior to my little date with myself, I had been to PCM once with my friend Macie, but it was a while ago and so much at PCM has changed so much since then and I wanted to grab some coffee and just walk around the little shops.

Saturdays are pretty busy, but it wasn't insanely busy when I pulled in around 1 p.m. and parking was pretty easy to find! My first stop at PCM... Dancing Goats Coffee. This spot is so cute and there were like three people in the entire place which was nice. I got my go-to coffee drink, an iced vanilla latte.

After sipping on my coffee, I headed to Anthropologie. Anthropologie is a VIBE. I mean, I just want my entire home to look like an Anthropologie store. I walked out empty-handed because of my extreme self-control not to spend money (and lack of cash haha).

Modern Mystic was my last stop and it was a pretty cool. I bought a few different crystals for David and I.

Amethyst promotes calm, balance, and peace. Rainbow moonstone guides and protects travelers, which is great with how much I drive. It also balances hormonal system and relieves emotional eating habits, which is something that comes up occasionally. Mookaite increases self confidence, self worth, and helps with realizing your full potential. Red calcite increases energy and the willingness to experience life.

Before I left, I had to stop by this cute little pumpkin patch that was just so cute. I mean, I don't think it gets more fall than that! A cute little pumpkin patch in the city just the coolest thing.

Spending a couple hours by myself and exploring this cute little spot in Atlanta was so much fun and I'll definitely do it again. If you've never taken a solo date, do it. Treat yourself. Explore a cute spot in your town. Treat yourself to dinner and wine at your favorite local restaurant. Take yourself to the spa. Just do something for you. Spend some time with yourself!Have you ever taken yourself on a date?x,Amanda

About The Blogger

Hey! My name is Amanda and welcome to my little corner of the internet where I talk about being a living your best life, beauty, travel, college, and just life in general. I work in broadcast media and love to bake, catch up on entertainment news, and travel.

Happy Monday! Ready to conquer this week? You got it, girl! I spent Friday night in Atlanta and came back home Saturday for my mom's b...

A Note To You

Just a note to you.. Sometimes, I'll use affiliate links for products, services, apps, and websites that I talk about here, which means that if you click on the link or make a purchase, I may receive a small commission. I will always disclose affiliate links and they help keep this blog up and running. I only support and talk about brands, products, and places that I really love. Thank you for your support!
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